Child proof cupboard closure

ABSTRACT

A cabinet closure device made from a section of nylon or similar cord utilizes one or more cord stop devices to form a loop of cord that is adjustable and securable around two objects to be secured from movement or opening. A user slides the closure device around two objects and then pulls on one or each of the loop ends to secure the closure device around the objects. To release the closure device, the user releases the cord stop and the closure device will loosen and the objects (doors or drawers for example) may be opened.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent No.61/503,793, which was filed on Jul. 1, 2011 titled “CHILD PROOF CUPBOARDCLOSURE”, which is incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to child proofing cabinets and moreparticularly, relates to a closure device that fits essentially allcabinets and storage devices that have knobs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Cabinets as well as other storage devices which have doors and are at alevel accessible to children must often be “child proofed” to preventchildren from accessing the contents of the cabinet or storage device toprevent access to other dangerous materials or materials that thehomeowner does not wish children to access.

Prior art devices designed to “child proof” cabinets have typically beenhard plastic devices. These devices are sometimes difficult to use(sometimes requiring two hands to set and/or unset); are large enoughsuch that they do not fit behind many door knobs, and almost certainlydo not allow for their use around corners such is required for a cornercupboard.

Accordingly, what is needed is a childproof cupboard closure that iseasy to use (can be operated with one hand) can sit behind almost anyknob and will work around a corner cupboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features a flexible cord securing deviceconfigured for preventing movement of first and second objects. Theflexible cord securing device comprises a length of flexible cord,wherein the length of flexible cord has a first end and a second end. Atleast a first flexible cord securing device has a first openingconfigured for receiving a first end of the flexible cord, and a secondopening configured for receiving the second end of the flexible cord.

The at least a first flexible cord securing device further includes aflexible cord locking mechanism, operative in one of a first positionand a second position, wherein the first position secures the first andsecond ends of the flexible cord from sliding in and out of the flexiblecord securing device, and wherein the second position of the flexiblecord locking mechanism allows the first and second ends of the flexiblecord to slide through the first and second openings of the flexible cordsecuring device.

The flexible cord locking mechanism is coupled to an engagement devicedisposed on an exterior surface of the at least a first flexible cordsecuring device, the flexible cord locking mechanism engagement deviceis configured for causing the flexible cord locking mechanism to operatein one of the first or second positions thereby allowing the flexiblecord to be adjusted and secured around the first and second objects tobe secured.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the first and second ends of thelength of flexible cord include a flexible cord end cover deviceconfigured for covering a knot tied in each of the first and second endsof the flexible cord. The flexible cord and cover devices include asmaller aperture at a proximal end and a larger aperture at a distal endsuch that the larger aperture of the distal end can be pulled over theknot tied in each of the first and second ends of the flexible cord, toprovide an aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful grip.

The flexible cord securing device may further include a second flexiblecord securing device. The second flexible cord securing device isdisposed about one of the first or second ends of the flexible cablebetween the at least a first flexible cord securing device and aterminal end of the first or second end of the flexible cord. The secondflexible cord securing device has a first opening configured forreceiving one of the first or second ends of the flexible cord. Thesecond flexible cord securing device further includes a flexible cordlocking mechanism, operative in one of a first position and a secondposition. The first position secures the one of the first or second endsof the flexible cord from sliding in and out of the second flexible cordsecuring device. The second position of the flexible cord lockingmechanism allows the one of the first or second ends of the flexiblecord to slide in and out of the second flexible cord securing device.The flexible cord locking mechanism is coupled to an engagement devicedisposed on an exterior surface of the at least a first flexible cordsecuring device. The flexible cord locking mechanism engagement deviceis configured for causing the flexible cord locking mechanism to operatein one of a first or second positions.

The flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device may include aregion configured to be depressed and released or a device configured tobe slid within a slot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bebetter understood by reading the following detailed description, takentogether with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the preferred embodiment of the childproofcabinet strap according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the preferred embodiment of the childproofcabinet strap in use and secured to the knobs of a cabinet; and

FIG. 3 is an additional embodiment of the invention using a differentstyle of cord stop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention features a childproof cabinet strap for use inchildproof think cabinets having circular or other shaped knobs orhandles that have no hole or space through or around which one of theprior art cabinet “lock” cannot be inserted. The drawings show exemplarydevices that are constructed according to the invention and thatconstitute the best modes for carrying out the invention currently knownto the applicant.

It is anticipated that the primary use of the invention will be forcabinets that have knobs that are proximate or near each other onseparate doors of the type shown in FIG. 2 and similar cabinets.However, it is intended to be understood that the device may also beused to advantage in connection with other types of cabinets and othertypes of structures enclosing storage areas. For example, in somecircumstances, the childproof device according to the present inventioncould be used in conjunction with a drawer and with a set of cabinetdoors that are arranged around a corner 90 degrees from one another.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the first and preferred embodiment of the deviceincludes a length of nylon cord 1, with a first end 14 running through afirst 13 of two holes 12/13 in a two holed, spring loaded/push buttontype cord stop device 2, and a second end 15 running through theremaining second hole 12 in the same cord stop device 2, such that thenylon cord 1, forms a loop shown generally at 7. The free ends 15 and 14each have a cord end cover device 4 that may have a smaller aperture atthe proximal end 16, and a larger aperture at the distal end 17, suchthat a knot can be tied at each of the ends of the cord 1, and the cordend 4 can then be pulled over the knot to provide an aestheticallypleasing and functionally useful grip.

One free end 14 may include an additional smaller but similar cord stop6, with only one hole that is slidably engaged on the free end 14. Thedistal end of free end 14 has a cord end 4, secured over a knot tied atthe end of the nylon cord 1 the same as that described for the oppositefree end 15. The second cord stop 6 provides additional security againsta child pulling the first cord stop 2 loose.

For the best function, the end of the cord 15 that does not have the2^(nd) cord stop 6 should be released such that the cord end 4 is tightagainst the main cord stop 2. Once the unit 1 is placed around the knobsof a cabinet, the user can simply pull the 2^(nd) cord end 14 to tightenthe device 1 around the cabinet knobs as shown in FIG. 2. Once tight,the additional cord stop 6 can be slid upwards abutting the main cordstop 2. In this configuration, the cord is locked on both ends securelyand cannot be forced open (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention containingonly one cord stop. In this embodiment, the cord stop 10 is of adifferent type than that described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. Thealternative cord stop 10 has a slidable cam mechanism 11 that securesthe nylon cord 1, at a desired length when pushed upwards toward the“loop” end and, and disengages with the nylon cord 1 for adjustment whenthe slidable cam mechanism 11 is pushed down within its slot 18 n towardthe ends 14, 15 of the device.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an inexpensive and novelmechanism by which to secure or “childproof” various areas such asjurors, cabinets or the like. Because the device of the presentinvention is made from a soft, non-abrasive materials such as a nylon orsimilar cord material, there is no danger that cabinet or drawer frontswill be scratched or damaged by hard plastic or metal objects as a childor other person poles or moves the childproof device. The flexibility ofthe nylon cord also allows the present invention to be utilized innontraditional areas such as between 2 cabinet doors that are arranged90° to one another and for which the prior art devices are inoperative;on or in connection with oven doors; refrigerator doors; and almost anyother door or drawer which is desired to be protected.

Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is notto be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.

1. A flexible cord securing device, configured for preventing movementof first and second objects, said flexible cord securing devicecomprising: a length of flexible cord, said length of flexible cordhaving a first end and a second end; at least a first flexible cordsecuring device, said at least a first of flexible cord securing devicehaving a first opening configured for receiving said first end of saidflexible cord, and a second opening configured for receiving said secondend of said flexible cord, said at least a first flexible cord securingdevice further including a flexible cord locking mechanism, operative inone of a first position and a second position, wherein said firstposition secures said first and second ends of said flexible cord fromsliding in and out of said flexible cord securing device, and whereinsaid second position of said flexible cord locking mechanism allows saidfirst and second ends of said flexible cord to slide through said firstand second openings of said flexible cord securing device, said flexiblecord locking mechanism coupled to an engagement device disposed on anexterior surface of said at least a first flexible cord securing device,said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device configured forcausing said flexible cord locking mechanism to operate in one of saidfirst or second positions thereby allowing said flexible cord to beadjusted and secured around said first and second objects to be secured.2. The flexible cord securing device of claim 1, wherein each of saidfirst and second ends of said length of flexible cord include a flexiblecord end cover device configured for covering a knot tied in each ofsaid first and second ends of said flexible cord.
 3. The flexible cordsecuring device of claim 2, wherein said flexible cord and cover devicesinclude a smaller aperture at a proximal end and a larger aperture at adistal end such that said larger aperture of said distal end can bepulled over the knot tied in each of said first and second ends of saidflexible cord to provide an aesthetically pleasing and functionallyuseful grip.
 4. The flexible cord securing device of claim 1, furtherincluding a second flexible cord securing device, said second flexiblecord securing device disposed about one of said first or second ends ofsaid flexible cable between said at least a first flexible cord securingdevice and a terminal and of said first or second and of said flexiblecable, said second flexible cord securing device having a first openingconfigured for receiving one of said first or second ends of saidflexible cord, said second flexible cord securing device furtherincluding a flexible cord locking mechanism, operative in one of a firstposition and a second position, wherein said first position secures saidone of said first or second ends of said flexible cord from sliding inand out of said second flexible cord securing device, and wherein saidsecond position of said flexible cord locking mechanism allows said oneof said first or second ends of said flexible cord to slide in and outof said second flexible cord securing device, said flexible cord lockingmechanism coupled to an engagement device disposed on an exteriorsurface of said at least a first flexible cord securing device, saidflexible cord locking mechanism engagement device configured for causingsaid flexible cord locking mechanism to operate in one of said first orsecond positions.
 5. The flexible cord securing device of claim 1,wherein said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device includesa region configured to be depressed and released.
 6. The flexible cordsecuring device of claim 1, wherein said flexible cord locking mechanismengagement device includes a device configured to be slid within a slot.7. A flexible cord securing device, configured for preventing movementof first and second objects, said flexible cord securing devicecomprising: a length of flexible cord, said length of flexible cordhaving a first end and a second end; at least a first flexible cordsecuring device, said at least a first of flexible cord securing devicehaving a first opening configured for receiving said first end of saidflexible cord, and a second opening configured for receiving said secondend of said flexible cord, said at least a first flexible cord securingdevice further including a flexible cord locking mechanism, operative inone of a first position and a second position, wherein said firstposition secures said first and second ends of said flexible cord fromsliding in and out of said flexible cord securing device, and whereinsaid second position of said flexible cord locking mechanism allows saidfirst and second ends of said flexible cord to slide through said firstand second openings of said flexible cord securing device, said flexiblecord locking mechanism coupled to an engagement device disposed on anexterior surface of said at least a first flexible cord securing device,said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device configured forcausing said flexible cord locking mechanism to operate in one of saidfirst or second positions thereby allowing said flexible cord to beadjusted and secured around said first and second objects to be secured,wherein each of said first and second ends of said length of flexiblecord include a flexible cord end cover device configured for covering aknot tied in each of said first and second ends of said flexible cord,wherein said flexible cord locking mechanism engagement device includesone of a region configured to be depressed and released and a deviceconfigured to be slid within a slot.